Central York grad Bowman finds home at Iona

Central York grad Tre Bowman, left, is averaging 7.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 17 games (nine starts) for the Gaels this season. (Photo courtsey of Iona College)

There are always going to be thoughts of "what if?" for Tre Bowman.

What if the 2009 Central York High School graduate opted to go to Iona College in the first place?

What if he had not gone through the experiences elsewhere in recent years?

What kind of person would he be today?

"I think about that sometimes," Bowman said by phone last week following practice. "I had my learning lessons. I definitely would say my past experiences have molded me into what I am today. I have a good supporting staff. My parents support me no matter what happens."

Now playing for his third college program in as many years, Bowman said he has finally found a home at NCAA Division I Iona (N.Y.) College. It's the same school he seriously considered a few years ago before deciding to play at Penn State after a season at prep school St. Thomas More in Connecticut.

"Honestly I do believe I was (supposed to come to Iona). Things happen for a reason. I'm placed in this situation for a reason," Bowman said.

The shooting guard is averaging 7.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 17 games (nine starts) for the Gaels (12-7 overall, 6-2 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). Iona currently sits in a three-way tie for second-place in the MAAC, a game behind first-place Niagara.

Journey: Bowman is hoping Iona is the final stop in his college journey that has taken him from Happy Valley to Midland (Junior) College in Texas to New York.

Just two seasons ago, Bowman saw relatively little playing time at Penn State, where he was cited for disorderly conduct during the 2010-11 season and was twice removed from the team, first by Coach Ed DeChellis and then by DeChellis' replacement, Patrick Chambers.

The 6-foot, 4-inch Bowman then went to Midland with the hopes of improving his game to draw interest from other D-I schools. He averaged 11.5 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 22 games for Midland. That caught the eye of Iona coach Tim Cluess, who recruited Bowman back in 2010.

"That definitely was a factor. I was close to the coaching staff," Bowman said of going to Iona. "And being closer to home is definitely a contributing factor."

Bowman said he stays in constant communication with younger brother, Tremaine, a 2012 Central grad who is averaging 3.7 points a game off the bench at D-III Mansfield.

Mixed results: Tre Bowman has seen mixed results so far this season with Iona. He averaged 13.8 points a game as a starter in Iona's first five contests. But he managed just eight points the next two games before being benched. He still saw nearly 19 minutes a game off the bench over eight of the next nine games -- he didn't see action Dec. 3 in Iona's win over St. Bonaventure.

Then he came off the bench and exploded for a career-high 24 points in a 97-87 victory over Canisius on Jan. 13. The performance earned him a starting gig in Iona's last two games, but he's managed just four points in those contests.

Bowman still has this season and next remaining in eligibility on the hardwood. A sociology major, he's hoping to improve enough for a shot at pro ball after Iona, whether that be in the NBA or overseas.

"I've been everywhere else in the world," Bowman said of playing overseas. "So why not?"